This honey glazed grilled pineapple is a sweet treat that’s super easy to make! The warm, caramelized edges and juicy center make for a tropical delight that’s hard to resist.
I love serving this at barbecues. It’s a fun twist on dessert, and let’s be real—grilled fruit is just awesome! 🍍 Pair it with ice cream for a tasty combo that makes everyone smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is sweet and juicy. Look for one with a sweet aroma and firm, yellow skin. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple rings in juice can work, although fresh has the best flavor and texture.
Honey: Local honey brings a lovely sweetness to the dish. If you prefer a different option, agave syrup or maple syrup can also work well. Just note that the flavor will slightly change. I prefer the floral notes of honey!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice really brightens up the flavors. Bottled lime juice can be a quick substitute, but fresh tastes much better. You could also use lemon juice for a different twist.
Cinnamon: This is optional, but I find that a sprinkle of cinnamon adds a warm spice that complements the pineapple nicely. If you want to mix it up, try nutmeg or allspice for a new flavor.
Mint Leaves: Fresh mint adds a refreshing touch on top. You can swap it out with basil for a more unique flavor or leave it off if you aren’t a fan.
How Do You Grill Pineapple Perfectly?
Grilling pineapple can be a bit tricky, but with a few simple steps, you’ll get delicious results! The goal is to achieve nice grill marks while softening the fruit to caramelize its sugars.
- Start by preheating the grill to medium heat, which prevents burning.
- Cut the pineapple into thick rings (about 1/2 inch), so they don’t fall through the grill grates.
- Brush the honey mixture onto both sides of the pineapple rings. This helps caramelize them and adds flavor.
- Place the rings on the grill and resist the urge to flip too soon. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until you see those beautiful grill marks!
- Remove from the grill and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
How to Make Honey Glazed Grilled Pineapple?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole ripe pineapple
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious honey glazed grilled pineapple will take approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 6-8 minutes to grill. So, in total, you’ll need around 20 minutes to make this delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This step is important to ensure the pineapple cooks evenly and gets those lovely grill marks!
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
Take your whole ripe pineapple and slice it into rings. Remember to remove the tough core from the center of each slice. You should aim for about 1/2 inch thick rings for the perfect grilling.
3. Make the Honey Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the honey and lime juice. If you’d like a hint of spice, stir in the optional cinnamon. This mixture will add a sweet and tangy glaze!
4. Brush the Pineapple:
Generously brush each pineapple ring with the honey mixture on both sides. Make sure each piece is well coated to maximize that delicious flavor while grilling.
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the brushed pineapple rings on the preheated grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until you see beautiful grill marks and the pineapple starts to caramelize. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
6. Cool and Garnish:
Once grilled to perfection, remove the pineapple rings from the grill and let them cool slightly. This makes them easier to handle. Finally, garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Enjoy your honey glazed grilled pineapple as a delightful dessert, a fresh side dish, or even as a topping for burgers. Yum!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
While fresh pineapple gives the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple rings in a pinch. Make sure to drain them well before brushing on the honey mixture to avoid excess moisture on the grill. Grill for about 1-2 minutes per side, as they’re already soft and will cook faster.
Can I Substitute Other Sweeteners for Honey?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different sweetener, try maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar mixed with a little water. Each substitute will bring its own unique flavor, but ensure it’s a liquid or easily dissolvable for the best results.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it chilled, or reheat it briefly on the grill or in a skillet to warm it up and get back some of that delicious caramelization.
Can I Add Other Spices to the Honey Mixture?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Adjust the flavors according to your taste while keeping the honey and lime as the base to enhance the pineapple’s sweetness.
